Ilfracombe Seafront History Walking Guided Tour

The Ilfracombe Hotel was built in the town's Victorian tourist heyday and was the town's first purpose-built luxury hotel. Opened on May 15, 1867, the imposing building occupied a prime site bordering the sea, overlooking Capstone Hill and Wildersmouth beach.

1880s was known as the Alexandra Hotel. 1970’s couple called Blackmore owned or managed the Hotel. Also one of the most Haunted pubs in the town.

There has been a port at Ilfracombe since the 12th Century and a settlement for much longer. Because of the natural layout of the harbour, Ilfracombe became a significant safe port (registered port of refuge) on the Bristol Channel.

St Nicholas's Chapel which is a seamen's chapel dating from the 14th century. It is the only surviving beacon chapel and lighthouse. The chapel was built as a place of worship for the people of Ilfracombe living and working around the harbour. It is known to have been used as a lighthouse at the time of Henry 8th and to this day the light remains on guiding shipping into the harbour.